Personal Safety

People with Down syndrome have the same sexuality needs, rights and responsibilities as people without a disability. They can expect to go through the same phases of sexual development as their non-disabled peers, but will need some direct teaching in this area. In order to keep themselves safe they need to know about their bodies, feelings, what is appropriate and where it is appropriate. The distinction needs to be made between public and private places, as well as public and private behaviours.

Articles and Information

Links

SECCA (Sexuality Education Counselling and Consultancy Agency) is a non-profit community agency that assists people with disabilities and their families to make informed choices about sexuality and sexual expression. www.secca.org.au

Resources

Down Syndrome Society of South Australia Right to Know series Module Two – Sexuality Body Parts 1 and 2Module Three – Personal Safety – Public and Private Assertiveness Training Safety in the Community Interpersonal Boundaries Preventative Strategies

Collier, Merri Sexuality and Your Rights

Couwenhaven, Terri Teaching Children with Down Syndrome About their Bodies, Boundaries and Sexuality

Facts on Sexual Hurting

Fegan, Lydia and Anne Rauch Sexuality and People with Intellectual Disability

Horsley, Philomena I Used to Really Like Hime: a story about unwanted touching

Intimacy and Marriage

Masturbation and Privacy for Boys

Masturbation and Privacy for Girls

Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Robinson-Tafft, Pier and Susan Jones More than Friends: Beginning a Relationship Training Program

Schwier, Karin Melberg and Dave Hingsburger Sexuality : your sons and daughters with intellectual disabilityCouples with intellectual disability talk about living and loving